Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley are a comedy duo and best friends who created the "#IMomSoHard" podcast. They recently talked on CBS Mornings about their new tour, called "The Crashing Out Tour," and their book, "The Middle School Mom's Survival Guide," which helps parents handle life with middle school kids.
Key Facts
Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley are best friends and comedians.
They created the popular "#IMomSoHard" podcast about parenting.
They have a new tour named "The Crashing Out Tour."
They wrote a book called "The Middle School Mom's Survival Guide."
The book offers advice for parents dealing with middle school challenges.
They appeared on "CBS Mornings" to talk about their tour and book.
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Over 300,000 public sector workers, including nurses, doctors, teachers, and civil servants, are striking across the Republic of Ireland for 24 hours due to a pay dispute with the Irish government. The strike may cause school closures, cancelled hospital appointments, and picket lines throughout the country, with another strike planned for October 21.
Key Facts
The strike involves more than 300,000 workers in the public sector in Ireland.
Sectors affected include healthcare, education, and civil service.
The dispute centers on ongoing pay negotiations that have not reached agreement.
Earlier this month, school teachers began work-to-rule actions, working strictly to their contracts.
Forsa, Ireland’s largest public service union, had nearly 97% of its members vote in favor of strike action.
The Irish government says the strike will disrupt the economy and public services.
Teachers report their pay does not keep up with living costs, making it hard to save money or buy homes.
The government’s minister for expenditure called the strike "deeply disappointing."
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Pope Leo XIV is recovering well after lung surgery to remove a cancerous nodule. The Vatican reported that he has started walking, eating normally, and doing breathing exercises as part of his recovery.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV had surgery to remove a cancerous nodule from his lung.
Blood tests and chest X-rays show his recovery is progressing normally.
He is doing respiratory physiotherapy to help with breathing.
The Pope has begun walking around his room.
He has resumed eating regular meals, including breakfast and lunch.
Doctors confirm his recovery is going as expected.
The information was released by the Vatican's Holy See Press Office.
Two doctors, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, provided the medical update.
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Colombia has opened its embassy in Jerusalem, recognizing the city as Israel's capital. This move reverses a previous policy and joins few countries backing Israel’s claim to the entire city, a point disputed by Palestinians and the international community.
Key Facts
Colombia opened its embassy in Jerusalem under President Abelardo de la Espriella.
The previous Colombian government cut ties with Israel over the Gaza conflict.
Colombia restored a free trade agreement with Israel that had been canceled.
Only about 10 countries have embassies in Jerusalem; most keep embassies in Tel Aviv.
Palestinians and Jordan criticized Colombia’s move as breaking international law.
Jerusalem’s status is a major issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel claims all of Jerusalem as its capital; Palestinians claim East Jerusalem for a future state.
The US moved its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018 under President Trump, sparking controversy.
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Three men, identifying as "English nationalist" content creators, entered a house in Leicestershire where asylum seekers live and filmed themselves without permission. The video was posted online and has caused concern, leading to an investigation by the Home Office and Serco, the company managing the accommodation.
Key Facts
The men filmed themselves entering an asylum seeker’s home through an unlocked back door, claiming to be contractors checking the property.
The video was posted on YouTube and X, gaining over 300,000 views before YouTube removed it for violating rules against harassment.
The filmmakers showed the house’s exact location and internal details, making it easily identifiable.
When confronted, they briefly showed ID on a lanyard, but it was unclear if it was official.
Serco and the Home Office are investigating the incident to protect the safety of asylum seekers and staff.
The group behind the video describe themselves as "English nationalist" and critical of immigration.
Similar incidents have increased, with far-right activists trying to enter asylum accommodations, sometimes using false legal claims.
YouTube removed the video because it contained harassment and revealed personal information about the asylum seekers.
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Yemen's Houthi group said they attacked Saudi Aramco facilities after Saudi Arabia reported a strike on a building near the company's operations center. Saudi forces intercepted a missile fired by the Houthis towards Riyadh, the Saudi capital, amid ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
The Houthis are a group involved in the conflict in Yemen.
They said they targeted Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia’s large oil company.
Saudi Arabia reported a strike near Aramco’s operations building.
Explosions were heard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital city.
Saudi-led coalition forces intercepted a missile launched by the Houthis.
The Houthis are backed by Iran.
The conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia is ongoing and involves missile attacks and airstrikes.
The situation reflects continuing tensions in the region related to Yemen’s civil war.
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Pope Leo XIV had surgery to remove a cancerous lump from his lung and is now recovering well. Doctors said he is eating normally, has started walking, and his medical tests show normal results.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV had lung surgery to remove cancer.
Doctors report his recovery is going as expected.
He is eating regular meals like breakfast and lunch.
He has started walking and doing breathing exercises.
Blood tests and chest X-rays show normal results after surgery.
Two doctors, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Dr. Stefano Margaritora, gave the health update.
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King Felipe VI said that Ceuta and Melilla are an unchangeable part of Spain during his visit to the two North African territories. He also stressed the importance of keeping good relations with Morocco after a recent large number of migrants entered Ceuta, creating tension between the countries.
Key Facts
Ceuta and Melilla are two Spanish territories located in North Africa.
Morocco claims these territories, creating a dispute with Spain.
King Felipe VI called Ceuta and Melilla "inalienable parts" of Spain.
The king rarely makes political statements but chose to speak on this issue.
A surge of migrants entered Ceuta in July, causing strain between Spain and Morocco.
Spain wants to keep friendly and cooperative relations with Morocco despite disagreements.
The visit by King Felipe VI reflects the importance of this territorial issue for Spain.
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Ukraine has accused SpaceX of restricting the use of its Starlink internet service, which is hindering Ukraine’s military drone operations amid ongoing Russian attacks. This tension comes as relations between Ukraine and the United States worsen after President Donald Trump lifted sanctions on Russian diesel and criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky.
Key Facts
Ukraine says SpaceX limited Starlink services that support its military drones.
Russian missile attacks have damaged power stations in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelensky called these actions a disrespect to President Donald Trump.
Relations between Kyiv and Washington have worsened recently.
President Trump lifted sanctions on Russian diesel fuel last week.
President Trump publicly criticized President Zelensky.
Ukraine is asking the US, SpaceX, and NATO to explain the limits on Starlink use.
The situation affects Ukraine’s ability to conduct military missions during the conflict with Russia.
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Ukrainian troops experienced problems with Elon Musk’s Starlink internet system, which slowed down and interrupted their drone operations without warning. At the same time, Ukraine did not get advance notice about Russian missile attacks on its energy facilities, raising concerns about the reliability of US support amid pressure from President Trump for Ukraine to ease its military actions.
Key Facts
Starlink satellite internet used by Ukrainian drones started failing at speeds above 160 km/h, disrupting missions.
The slowdown happened suddenly at night without warning, affecting Ukraine’s efforts to attack Russian supply lines.
Starlink disruptions also impacted Ukraine’s defense against Russian drones because the system is used on interceptors.
Kyiv did not receive prior warning from partners about Russia’s missile strikes on its energy infrastructure.
President Trump increased pressure on Ukraine to stop drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and threatened to cut intelligence sharing.
Trump blamed Ukraine for high diesel prices but analysts say the US war with Iran is a bigger cause.
Ukrainian forces reported that Starshield, SpaceX’s military satellite service, also faced data speed limits for the first time.
Some officials think SpaceX limited Starlink at the Trump administration’s request after Musk criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
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Some high schools in France stayed closed due to ongoing student protests. Tens of thousands joined rallies across the country, and more national demonstrations about the rising cost of living are planned.
Key Facts
Several high schools in France remained closed on a Wednesday amid protests.
Tens of thousands of people took part in rallies supporting students.
The protests are linked to concerns about the rising cost of living.
National demonstrations are scheduled for the upcoming Saturday.
Unions and student groups expect their movements to join together during these protests.
The issue reflects wider social and economic difficulties in France.
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Ukraine is talking with the US, SpaceX, and NATO to understand limits on its use of Starlink satellite internet. Ukrainian soldiers say that the Starlink service stops working when they move at high speeds, which disrupts drone operations that rely on this internet connection.
Key Facts
Ukraine has contacted the US, SpaceX, and NATO about Starlink internet issues.
Starlink is a satellite internet system made by SpaceX.
Ukrainian troops experience disconnections when moving fast using Starlink.
The internet problems affect control of drones in military operations.
The Ukrainian Defence Ministry provided the information.
Starlink helps Ukraine maintain communication and control in conflict areas.
The issue has caused significant disruption to some Ukrainian military activities.
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Ukraine says SpaceX has limited its Starlink satellite internet services without warning, which is affecting the country's air defense systems. This happened after Ukrainian President Zelensky said President Trump threatened to stop sharing intelligence with Ukraine.
Key Facts
Ukraine relies on Starlink satellites for internet, including military and air defense use.
SpaceX reduced the availability or capacity of Starlink services in Ukraine unexpectedly.
Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov reported the limitations on Telegram.
Ukrainian President Zelensky warned that President Trump threatened to halt intelligence sharing.
The restrictions on Starlink are affecting Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace.
There was no prior notice from SpaceX about the changes.
The issue is tied to wider political tensions between Ukraine and the U.S. under President Trump.
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Russell Brand faces multiple charges of rape and sexual assault involving six women over a period from 1999 to 2009. In court, prosecutors accused him of being a calculated and manipulative sexual predator who ignored women’s refusal and sought sexual encounters aggressively.
Key Facts
Russell Brand is charged with three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault.
The allegations involve six women and cover incidents from 1999 to 2009.
Prosecutors describe Brand as having an “insatiable desire” for sex and treating women as objects.
One woman said Brand raped her without a condom, despite her saying no and resisting.
Brand allegedly told a friend he wanted to sleep with 5,000 women and had strategies to achieve this.
Alleged assaults occurred in various places, including hotel rooms, workplaces, a bar toilet, and his home.
Brand denies all charges and claimed many sexual encounters happened with people he just met.
The court heard detailed accounts of the assaults during the prosecution’s opening statements.
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The Houthi rebels in Yemen said they took control of a new important area in Taiz governorate. Fighting has increased recently between the Houthis and the Yemeni government forces, which are supported by Saudi Arabia.
Key Facts
The Houthis are a group backed by Iran.
They have released video showing military actions in Taiz governorate.
Yemen’s government is internationally recognized and backed by Saudi Arabia.
Fighting between the Houthis and government forces has gotten much worse in recent weeks.
The Houthis have captured several key areas that are important for control.
The conflict is part of a larger, ongoing war in Yemen.
The situation affects regional security and involves outside countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran.
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The Iran-backed Houthis have increased attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting civilian sites and causing deaths and injuries. This escalation could lead to either a large regional military operation against the Houthis or a prolonged conflict wearing both sides down.
Key Facts
The Houthis, supported by Iran, have attacked Saudi Arabia, hitting civilian infrastructure like airports.
These attacks have killed at least a dozen people and injured hundreds.
Saudi Arabia is seeking support from Gulf countries, Pakistan, and Turkiye to create a united front against the Houthis.
Turkiye and Pakistan recently signed a defense pact with Saudi Arabia, allowing possible military involvement.
The U.S. might get involved but is unlikely to engage militarily before the U.S. midterm elections.
The internationally recognized Yemeni government is working to retake territory from the Houthis, including the western coast and possibly the capital, Sanaa.
Internal disputes within the Yemeni government have slowed its advances but recent efforts to unify command have improved progress.
If the coalition fails to act decisively, the conflict could become a prolonged war with continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and strategic towns in Yemen.
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Duane Davis, a former gang leader from Los Angeles, was sentenced to at least 40 years in prison for his role in the killing of rapper Tupac Shakur. Davis had previously talked about his involvement in the crime but denied it during his trial.
Key Facts
Duane Davis was a former Los Angeles gang leader.
He admitted involvement in Tupac Shakur’s killing in books and interviews.
Davis denied involvement during his official trial.
He was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison.
The killing of Tupac Shakur has remained a significant case for many years.
The sentencing took place in Los Angeles, United States.
Tupac Shakur was a well-known American rapper.
The article was reported by France 24 on October 14, 2026.
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The Turkish government took control of Halk TV, the country's most-watched news channel, by raiding its headquarters and stopping its broadcasts. The government appointed a new administrator to run the channel, drawing criticism from opposition groups and rights organizations.
Key Facts
Halk TV is Turkey's most-watched news channel.
Police raided Halk TV's Istanbul offices early on Wednesday.
Broadcasts were stopped during the raid.
A government-appointed administrator was placed in charge of the channel.
The channel is known to support opposition viewpoints.
Halk TV chairman Cafer Mahiroglu called the takeover "a dark day for Turkey."
Opposition parties and rights groups strongly criticized the government's action.
This event is part of a wider government effort against pro-opposition media outlets.
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Russell Brand, an actor and comedian, is on trial in London for multiple charges including rape and sexual assault. The prosecution says six women reported incidents spanning from 1999 to 2009, which Brand denies.
Key Facts
Russell Brand faces three rape charges, three sexual assault charges, and one indecent assault charge.
Six women, who do not know each other, independently reported the incidents to authorities.
The alleged incidents cover about ten years, from 1999 to 2009.
The prosecution described Brand as having a strong desire for sexual contact, regardless of who the women were or their responses.
Brand is said to have been charming and likeable when he wanted something, but also demanding and entitled regarding his sexual desires.
The women reported various forms of unwanted sexual behavior, including rape, indecent assault, and other sexual advances.
Brand denies all allegations and told police he does not remember the incidents and that he never took part in non-consensual sex.
The trial is taking place at Southwark Crown Court in London.
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President Donald Trump announced a truce where Ukraine and Russia would stop attacking each other's energy facilities. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia ignored the truce and kept attacking Ukrainian energy sites. The deal allowing Russia to export diesel to the U.S. also faced criticism for potentially funding Russia’s war efforts.
Key Facts
President Trump called for a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure between Ukraine and Russia.
Zelensky said Ukraine was ready to keep the truce, but Russia continued missile and drone strikes on energy sites.
Russian attacks damaged 26 power facilities and 4 oil and gas sites, leaving about 600,000 Ukrainians without power.
Russia targeted the Kharkiv power plant and damaged residential buildings in Kyiv, killing at least three people.
Trump made a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to let Russia export diesel to the U.S. to lower fuel prices.
Some U.S. senators and officials strongly criticized the diesel deal, calling it a gift to Russia that could help fund its military.
Ukrainian groups said the diesel imports to the U.S. would do little to help American drivers before upcoming elections.
Russian state media supported the diesel deal as benefiting the Kremlin.
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